Tag Archives: business

Using Opensource Software for E-Commerce at www.OhWowThatsCool.com

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I’ve always advocated starting new business ventures with as little investment at risk as possible. It makes sense to let the business pay for itself. I’ve also given all of my consulting clients a copy of Open Office.

Now, I’ve put opensource software to work as an e-commerce platform at www.OhWowThatsCool.com. We’re using Zen Cart on  OhWowThatsCool.com as a storefront that supports our other three websites.

It was a lot of work. I’ve spent six weeks learning the software, adding inventory, and trying to make things look pretty. I’ve also opened it up to other local vendors as a way to help them get more exposure.

If you have a few moments, go check it out. Leave me a comment on the site design. I’m pretty happy with it for a free piece of software :)

2011 Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories

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The economic condition of small businesses in the United States is captured in the Small Business Profiles. The profile shows that small businesses are key players in the U.S. and state economies, and highlights their performance on employment, business turnover, owner business demographics, finance and income.  This annual publication provides information for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and United States.

A copy of the state profiles  is located at: http://www.sba.gov/advocacy/848/41391

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Do you need a website to market your small business?

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Are you thinking about starting your online business in 2012, or adding an online presence or webstore to your existing business?

As my way of saying thank you to my readers, and in trying to start 2012 off in the right direction, I’ve worked with DreamHost to set up a fantastic discount for you!

I host four of my sites (including this one) on DreamHost, and I’m very happy with them. I’m comfortable recommending them to you.

DreamHost offers some great features like unlimited disk storage, unlimited domains, unlimited bandwidth, unlimited email/users, one-click software installations,  and more.  Check out everything they offer here.  Pricing starts at $8.95 per month before any discounts.

Use the coupon code GROWYOURBIZ30 to save an additional 30 percent!

Go ahead, check them out!  2012 will be a great year to start your online business, and I’ll be here to help however I can!

Thank you.  Be well.

~John

Making Government Work Better for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

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by Karen Mills, SBA Official

Today was an important day for America’s small businesses. President Obama asked Congress for the authority to reorganize and modernize government and he elevated my position as the SBA Administrator to Cabinet-level status.

These actions are a reflection of the importance he places on small business, economic growth, and job creation.

He asked Congress for the authority that Presidents from Hoover to Reagan have had to reorganize and modernize the federal government. This authority lapsed in 1984, but, today, the federal government needs to be updated to ensure that it meets the demands of entrepreneurs and small business owners in the 21st century.

The President’s first proposal under this authority would be to create a unified department focused on economic growth and job creation, so that we can be more effective at helping businesses do what they do best – create jobs.

For the entrepreneurs and small business owners that SBA and other agencies serve, this is very good news. A more integrated approach would ensure that small businesses would have access to all of the federal government’s programs in a more seamless, coordinated, and coherent way.  

Read more... (302 words, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)